World Placenta Traditions

Placenta Traditions From Around the World: Test Your Knowledge

When a woman gives birth, she ends up with a baby and a placenta. Though the afterbirth is the body's only disposable organ, some new parents don't dispose of it — choosing instead to eat it, plant it, or make art from it. Take this quiz and see how well you know traditions from around the world.

Placenta Traditions From Around the World: Test Your Knowledge

True or false? In Korea the placenta is sometimes burned and the ashes are kept to treat an ailing child.

True or false? Most Americans bury the placenta as a gift for Mother Earth.

True or false? Samoan people burn or bury the placenta so it will not be found by evil spirits.

True or false? Some Hmong babies wear the placenta home from the hospital.

True or false? In Cambodia, the placenta is wrapped in a banana leaf and put next to the newborn.